Senate gears up for confirmation hearings
Jan 07, 2025
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- The U.S. Senate is gearing up for a busy week of confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks next week.
Nominees were on Capitol Hill Tuesday trying to win over enough support from senators, but some will have a heavier lift than others.
"I'm 100% for Tulsi," said U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). "She's going to be great."
Tuberville came out of his meeting with Tulsi Gabbard confident in her ability to lead the country's intelligence community.
"The citizens of this country can understand we trust the people that's running the United States of America," Tuberville said.
However, Gabbard will have to convince other Republicans who criticize her lack of experience and sympathetic views on Russia.
"My background on the Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee in Congress over eight years, service in the military now for over 22 years gives me a lot of the insight necessary," Gabbard said.
Trump's choice for Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, also met with GOP senators Tuesday, who said he shares their concerns about the nation's debt and spending.
"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn things around in terms of our fiscal condition," said U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas.).
Bessent has some Republicans concerned about the Federal Reserve's independence after he suggested having a "shadow" leader who could prioritize Trump's policies before the term of current chair, Jerome Powell, expires. Cornyn said it did not come up during their meeting.
On Monday, the Fed's top financial regulator, Michael Barr, announced his resignation after facing threats from Trump to fire or demote him.
Trump said during a Tuesday press conference to expect a new name soon.
"I'll be announcing somebody," Trump said.